BX 

9211 

.15 

T33 

1923 


II 


ill 


ill 


program 

Betricatton  Wttk 


tabernacle  ^Presbyterian 
Cburcb  4  Jntrianapolte 


January  28  to  February  4,  1923 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
in  2019  with  funding  from 
Princeton  Theological  Seminary  Library 


https://archive.org/details/tabernaclepresbyOOtabe 


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PROGRAM 
DEDICATION  WEEK 


Catmnacle 
IDtestiPtman  Cfjurcf) 

Central  Avenue  and  Thirty-fourth  Street 
'INDIANAPOLIS,  INDIANA 


January  28  --  February  4 
1923 


HQjyi i- 


h 

— «v^S)35 


Bcbtcatton  Sleek,  tabernacle  ^refibptertan  Cburcfj 


•»t5f  ♦- 


THE  FIRST  UNIT  OF  THE  TABERNACLE  PRESBYTERIAN  CHURCH 


They  helped  everyone  his  neighbor;  and  everyone  said  to  his  brother,  Be  of  good  courage.  So  the 
carpenter  encouraged  the  goldsmith,  and  he  that  smootheth  with  a  hammer  him  that  smote  the  anvil, 
saying,  It  is  ready  for  the  soldering;  and  he  fastened  it  with  nails  that  it  should  not  be  moved. 

— Isaiah  41-6,  7. 


»—o—»—o—o—o—o—o—o—o—o—»—o—o—o—o—»  1923 


- « - — —  BcDtcatton  SiHeek,  tabernacle  ^regbptedan  Cburcb  — - - - <»—£♦- 


tabernacle  ^Presbyterian  Cfjurcf) 

Central  Avenue  and  Thirty-fourth  Street 
INDIANAPOLIS 

MINISTER 

J.  AMBROSE  DUNKEL,  D.  D. 

ASSISTANT  TO  THE  MINISTER 

MISS  EMMA  ANDERSON 

OFFICE  SECRETARY 

MISS  DOROTHY  FRITZ 

MISSIONARIES 

DR.  AND  MRS.  E.  C.  CORT  (Chieng  Mai,  Siam) 


Elders 


A.  W.  Antrim 

D.  M.  Houston 

Henry  C.  Thornton 

Vinson  Carter 

Robt.  Humphreys 

James  H.  Wilson 

Edgar  H.  Evans 

George  H.  Lacey 

Fred  I.  Willis 

W.  R.  Hancock 

Lew  Nicoli 

H.  S.  Wood 

Linn  D.  Hay 

Wallace  H.  Hall 

Deacons 

T.  H.  Bracken 

V.  N.  Gregg 

W.  Hathawav  Simmons 

W.  P.  Billings 

L.  A.  Mansfield 

R.  B.  Wilson 

W.  L.  Bridges 

Oscar  Matthews 

John  Wylie 

Alex.  Chambers 

Herbert  E.  Redding 

H.  Edgar  Zimmer 

B.  M.  Forbes 

E.  C.  Read 

W.  W.  Wiese 

Trustees 

A.  A.  Barnes 

W.  J.  Goodall 

R.  R.  Ragan 

G.  H.  Batchelor 

E.  W.  Johnson 

Thos.  H.  Thomson 

W.  N.  Picken 

E.  W.  Harris 

H.  C.  Thornton 

S.  J.  Kuqua 

Choir 

Samuel  Lewis,  Director 

Paul 

R.  Matthews,  Organist 

Mrs.  Don  Tullis,  Soprano 

Floyd 

Chafee,  Tenor 

Mrs.  W.  K.  Sproule,  Contralto 

Fred 

N.  Morris,  Bass 

Chorus  of  Thirty  Voices 


Church  Building  Organization  : 

GENERAL  BUILDING  COMMITTEE: 
Edgar  H.  Evans,  Chairman 


EXECUTIVE  committee: 

Edgar  H.  Evans,  Chairman 

Vinson  Carter 

F.  I.  Willis 

Geo.  H.  Batchelor 

Henry  C.  Thornton 


FINANCE  COMMITTEE 

Emsley  W.  Johnson 
Warren  H.  Simmons 
A.  W.  Antrim 
E.  W.  Harris 
Geo.  B.  Elliott 


ADVISORY  committee: 

A.  A.  Barnes,  Chairman 
Mrs.  J.  S.  Macy 
Miss  Anna  Hendricks 
W.  N.  Picken 
J.  J.  Swan 


EXPERT  consultants: 

Harrison  Walters 
John  R.  Curry 
Geo.  H.  Lacey 


ARCHITECTS  : 

J.  W.  C.  Corbusier 
R.  F.  Daggett 


BUILDER  : 

Edward  A.  Wehr 


1923 


•<>• 


Metrication  IHeefe,  tKabernacle  Prefifaptcrtan  Cfjurcf)  - 


Our  beloved  pastor,  unceasing  and  untiring 
in  the  Master  s  work , 


•♦♦it 


-Sf* 


1923 


— -  Bebtcafton  iieek,  ^Tabernacle  Presbyterian  Cfmrcb 


SUNDAY— January  28th 

9:30  A.  M. — Bible  School 

Communion  anb  deception  of  jHembers 

10:30  O’CLOCK 

J.  AMBROSE  DUNKEL,  D.  D,  Minister 

Assisted  by 

NEIL  McPHERSON,  D.  D.,  of  Springfield,  Massachusetts 


Organ  Prelude — Vision  . Bibl 

Elevation  in  D  Minor . Batiste 


Choir — The  Lord  Is  in  His  Holy  Temple 
Let  All  the  Earth  Keep  Silence 
Doxology 

Invocation  and  the  Lord’s  Prayer 

Choir — Lord,  I  Have  Loved  the  Habitation  of  Thy  House . Torrence 


Baptism  of  Infants 

Hymn  327  (Congregation  standing) 

Scripture 

Quartet — Jesus  Said  LTnto  the  People . Stainer 

Prayer 

Offertory  Solo — Ninety-first  Psalm . MacDermid 


Mr.  Morris 

Reception  of  Members 

Hymn  292  (Congregation  standing) 

Communion  Service 

Hymn  601  (Congregation  standing) 

Benediction 

Silent  Prayer  (Congregation  seated) 

Organ  Postlude — Marche  Religieuse . Gigont 

6:30  P.  M. — Chi  Epsilon  Sigma 
6:45  P.  M. — Young  People’s  Society 


-  19  2  3  — 


•<>•£♦♦• 


— -  Befcucatton  llceb,  Cabcrnaclc  Presbyterian  Cburcfj  — ■ 


Cbentng  ^>erbtce 

7:45  O’CLOCK 


Organ  Prelude — Evening  Bells .  Macfarlane 

Largo  from  New  World  Symphony  . Dvorak 

Nocturne  . F errata 

Choir — The  Lord  Is  in  His  Holy  Temple 
Let  All  the  Earth  Keep  Silence 
Doxology 

Invocation  and  the  Lord’s  Prayer 

* 


Choir — A  Day  in  Thy  Courts  Is  Better  Than  a  Thousand . MacFarren 

Scripture 

Hymn  68  (Congregation  standing) 

Prayer 

Offertory  Solo — Open  the  Gates  of  the  Temple . Knapp 

Mrs.  Tullis 

Sermon  by  Neil  McPherson,  D.  D.,  Springfield,  Mass. 

Formal  Presentation  of  the  Building  to  the  Trustees: 

The  Vision  of  the  Architects,  R.  F.  Daggett 
Delivery  of  Keys  by  the  Builder,  Edward  A.  Wehr 

Presentation  of  the  Structure,  Building  Committee,  Edgar  H.  Evans,  Chair¬ 
man 

Acceptance  by  the  Trustees,  Henry  C.  Thornton,  President 
Hymn  301  (Congregation  standing) 

Benediction 

Silent  Prayer  (Congregation  seated) 

Organ  Postlude — Postlude  in  D  Minor . Calken 


For  ye  are  the  temples  of  the 
God,  and  they  shall  be  my  people. 


living  God;  as  God  has  said,  I  will  dwell  in  them;  I  will  be  their 

— II  Cor.  6-16. 


-  19  2  3  — 


- - — .  Bebtcatton  Heefe,  tabernacle  iPresibptenan  tljurcf)  - — ■ 


MONDAY — January  29th 

Cttj>  Community 

7 : 00  to  8  :00  P.  M. — Open  House 
8:00  P.  M. 

Rev.  C.  H.  WINDERS,  D.  D.,  Secretary  of  the  Indianapolis  Church  Federation, 


Presiding 

Organ  Prelude — Processional  Hymn . Dubois 

A  Dream .  Brewer 

Minuet  . Bacherine 

Doxology 

Invocation  and  the  Lord’s  Prayer 

Quartet — Let  the  Heavens  Rejoice . Peace 

Scripture,  Rev.  C.  P.  Maas 
Prayer,  Rev.  C.  E.  Bacon 
Hymn  166  (Congregation  standing) 

Greetings — 


Chamber  of  Commerce,  Felix  M.  McWhirter 
Board  of  Trade,  Aquilla  Q.  Jones 
Kiwanis  Club,  O.  B.  lies 
City  of  Indianapolis,  James  M.  Ogden 

Tenor  Solo — From  the  Hymn  of  Praise .  Mendelssohn 

Mr.  Chafee 

Greetings  (Continued)  — 

The  State  of  Indiana,  Governor  Warren  T.  McCray 
Church  Federation,  Rev.  Ernest  N.  Evans 
Hymn  157  (Congregation  standing) 

Benediction,  Rev.  William  Carson 


Verily  I  say  unto  you,  whosoever  shall  not  receive  the  kingdom  as  a  little  child,  shall  not  enter 
therein. 


... — „  19  2  3  — 


— -  JBe&ttalton  lilccfe,  Catmnaclc  JJrcsbptenan  Cfmttf)  — — 


TUESDAY— January  30th 

Women’s!  deception 

2  to  5  P.  M. 

A  reception  will  be  given  by  the  women  of  the  Church  in  the  Assembly  Room 
of  the  new  building,  to  which  all  women  are  most  cordially  invited. 


8:00  P.  M. 


inaugural  <9rgan  Cental 


BY 

DR.  CHARLES  HEINROTH 

Director  of  Music,  Carnegie  Institute 
Pittsburgh,  Pennsylvania 


PROGRAM 


1  Overture  to  “William  Tell” .  Rossini 

2  Evensong  . Martin 

3  Clock  Movement  .  Haydn 

4  Christmas  .  Dethier 

5  A  Musical  Snuff  Box .  Liadow 

6  Gesu  Bambino .  Yon 

7  Danse  Arabe,  from  the  “Nutcracker  Suite” .  Tchaikozvsky 

8  Fugue  in  D  Major .  Bach 

9  A  Song  of  India .  Rimsky-Korsakoff 

10  Ride  of  the  Valkyries . Wagner 


ADMISSION  BY  TICKET  ONLY 

g>om e  interesting  Jf  eatures  of  tfje  J2eto 
tabernacle  Casabant  <0rgan 

The  new  organ  has  four  keyboards  for  the  hand,  in  addition  to  the  usual  pedal  section,  making  five  separate 
sections,  each  of  which  is  a  separate  organ  in  itself.  Musicians  will  be  interested  in  the  technical  details  regard¬ 
ing  these  divisions. 

The  Great  Organ,  which  contains  ten  stops,  each  with  a  complete  set  of  pipes  of  seventy-three  notes.  In 
this  organ  are  the  “Celestial  Harp’’  and  the  “French  Horn.” 

The  Swell  Organ,  with  eleven  stops,  each  with  seventy-three  pipes.  This  section  contains  the  “Oboe,”  “Vox 
Humana,”  “Vox  Celeste”  as  well  as  other  varieties  of  tones  to  make  a  completely  balanced  section. 

The  Choir  Organ,  with  seven  stops  of  seventy-three  pipes  each,  including  the  “Clarinet,”  the  “English 
Horn”  and  the  “Concert  Flute.” 

The  Echo  Organ,  with  six  stops.  In  this  organ  are  the  “Cathedral  Chimes,”  “Flute  Celeste,”  “Vox  Angelica” 
and  another  “Vox  Humana.”  The  Vox  Angelica  stop  produces  an  interesting  and  delicate  string  tone,  produced 
by  the  use  of  two  ranks  of  pipes. 

The  Pedal  Organ,  containing  eight  stops.  Here  is  the  foundation  of  the  whole  instrument,  without  which  a 
large  part  of  the  volume  would  be  lacking. 

Each  of  the  first  four  sections  named  is  enclosed  in  a  separate  expression  box  which  greatly  increases  the 
tone  quality.  The  organ  contains  over  2,500  pipes,  thirty  couplers  and  twenty-seven  pistons  placed  under  the 
various  keyboards,  for  the  purpose  of  operating  the  various  stops  in  groups  or  singly.  The  modern  piston  enables 
the  organist  to  change  his  combination  without  taking  his  hands  off  the  keys.  The  action  of  the  organ  is  electric 
and  it  is  possible  to  play  with  ease  the  most  rapid  passages.  A  large  blowing  plant  in  the  basement,  driven  by  an 
electric  motor,  supplies  the  wind  for  the  bellows  of  the  organ. 


1923  * 


•  Bebtcatton  Heck,  tabernacle  Presbyterian  Cburcb  — 


WEDNESDAY— January  31st 

7:45  P.  M. 

Presbyterian  i^tgfjt 


Rev.  A.  S.  BUCHANAN,  Moderator  of  Indianapolis  Presbytery,  Presiding 


Organ  Prelude — Prelude  and  Fugue .  Bach 

In  Moonlight  .  Kinder 

Springtime  .  Kinder 

Doxology 

Invocation,  Don  D.  Tullis,  D.  D. 

Quartet — Jesus  Only .  Rotoli 

Scripture,  Rev.  N.  S.  Sichterman 


Prayer,  Edward  Haines  Kistler,  D.  D. 

Hymn  366  (Congregation  standing) 

Greetings — From  a  Daughter  Church,  Rev.  H.  T.  Graham,  Westminster  Church 
Pastors  of  Churches  contributing  to  the  organization  of  Tabernacle  Church — 

Rev.  James  M.  Eakins,  Memorial  Church 
Matthew  F.  Smith,  D.  D.,  First  Church 
Rev.  Jean  S.  Milner,  Second  Church 

Solo — How  Lovely  Are  Thy  Dwellings . . .  Little 

Mrs.  Sproule 

Greetings — 

Rhys  Price  Jones,  D.  D.,  of  Franklin 

Representing  churches  outside  of  Indianapolis 
Rev.  Robert  F.  McLandress 

Educational  Superintendent  of  Synod  of  Indiana 
Rev.  F.  W.  Backemeyer 

Superintendent  of  Benevolence,  Synod  of  Indiana 
M.  L.  Haines,  D.  D. 

The  Nestor  of  Presbyterianism  in  Indianapolis 
Hymn  345  (Congregation  standing) 

Benediction,  Rev.  Thomas  R.  White 


1923 


.♦+2, - - - - —  ©cbicatton  OTccb,  tabernacle  |Dre6hpterian  Cljurdj  - 

THURSDAY — February  1st 

7:45  P.  M. 

Cfjotr 

Samuel  Lewis,  Director 
Paul  R.  Matthews,  Organist 


Organ  Prelude — Priere  a  Notre  Dame .  Boellmayi 

Nuit  d’  Ete  .  Binet 

Evening  Song  .  Johnso7i 


Choir — The  Lord  Is  in  His  Holy  Temple 
Let  All  the  Earth  Keep  Silence 


Doxology 

Invocation  and  the  Lord’s  Prayer 

Choir — Nature’s  Anthem  of  Praise .  Sullivan-Shepherd 

Scripture,  Jacob  Norris,  D.  D. 

Duet — Hymn  of  Praise .  Mendelssohn 


Mrs.  Tullis  and  Mr.  Chafee 
Hymn  68  (Congregation  standing) 

Prayer 

Quartet — O  How  Amiable  Are  Thy  Dwellings  . Eaton  Fanning 

Address — The  Silent  Building  of  the  Lord’s  House,  J.  Ambrose  Dunkel,  D.  D. 

Solo — Arise,  Shine,  for  Thy  Light  Is  Come  .  M acDermid 

Mr.  Morris 

Choir  With  Soprano  Solo — Light  in  Darkness . D.  Cyril  Jenkins 

Benediction 

Organ 


Establish  thou  the  work  of  our  hands,  yea,  the  work  of  our  hands,  establish  Thou  it. 


<>-£+♦• 


-  19  2  3 


*«<" 


— — - —  Bebtcatton  fUeefc,  tabernacle  ^regbptertan  Cfjurcb  - - - - - >-&+♦ 


FRIDAY — February  2d 

5  :00  to  7:00  P.  M.- — Dinner  in  the  Assembly  Room 
Served  by  the  Women  of  the  Church 

7:30  P.  M. 

Jioung  fleople^  Jjttgfjt 

STEWART  W.  HUGHES,  Presiding 


Orchestra  Recital 

Organ  Prelude — Prelude  in  E  Flat .  Lemmens 

Song  of  Sorrow .  Nevin 

Young  People’s  Chorus 
Prayer,  Rev.  M.  E.  Runden 


Hymn  369  (Congregation  standing) 


Quartet — The  Lord  Is  Exalted .  West 

Responsive  Reading — Selection  34,  led  by  Rev.  G.  W.  Allison 

Solo — Hear  Ye  (Elijah) .  Mendelssohn 


Address — Theme:  The  Place  of  Christian  Education  in  True  Culture,  John 
VanderMeulen,  D.  D.,  President  of  Presbyterian  Theological  Seminary, 
Louisville,  Kentucky 
Hymn  422  (Congregation  standing) 

Benediction 

SATURDAY — February  3d 

2:30  P.  M. 

Cljtlbren’g  ^erbtcc 

MISS  NELLY  LOVE,  Presiding 

Processional 
Organ  Prelude 
Song— Enter  Into  His  Gates 
Invocation  and  Lord’s  Prayer 
Hymn  61  (Standing) 

Responsive  Reading — Selection  37  (Psalm  100) 

Solo — The  Sweet  Story  of  Old 
Mr.  Morris 

Scripture 

Prayer 

Hymn  82  (Standing) 

Sermon  by  J.  Ambrose  Dunkel,  D.  D. 

Hymn  698  (Standing) 

Benediction 

Organ 


1923 


Betucatton  Week,  ^Tabernacle  ipresbptenan  Cburcb  •°— 


SUNDAY — February  4th 

9:30  A.  M. — Bible  School 

Bebtcatlon  ikrbtce 

10:30  A.  M. 

J.  Ambrose  Dunkel,  D.  D.,  Minister 

Organ  Prelude — Allegretto  from  Seventh  Symphony  . Beethoven 

Choir  Devotional — The  Lord  Is  in  His  Holy  Temple 

Let  All  the  Earth  Keep  Silence 

Processional  of  Ministers  and  Officers  of  the  Church,  Reciting  the  Twenty-fourth 
Psalm  Responsively,  Closing  With  Gloria  by  Choir 


Hymn  100  (Congregation  standing) 

Apostles’  Creed  (page  22  in  front  of  Hymnal) 

Quartet — Holy,  Holy,  Holy,  Lord  God  Almighty  . Stewart 

Scripture:  1  Kings  8:22-53;  1  Corinthians  3:9-17 
Prayer — J.  Albert  Rondthaler,  D.  D.,  Mooseheart,  Ill. 

Offertory  Solo — O  Divine  Redeemer .  Gounod 

Mr.  Chafee 

Presbyterian  Ritual  of  Dedication 


Sermon  by  Lewis  S.  Mudge,  D.  D.,  Clerk  of  the  Presbyterian  General  Assembly 


Choir — Te  Deum  in  E . Dudley  Buck 

Benediction 
Silent  Prayer 

Organ  Postlude — Marche  Religieuse . Saint-Saens 


6:30  P.  M.— Chi  Epsilon  Sigma 
6:45  P.  M. — Young  People’s  Society 


He  brought  me  to  the  banqueting  house  and  his  banner  over  me  was  love. 


1923  - 


-  Bebtcatton  HHeefe,  tabernacle  “Presbyterian  Cburcb  -<: 


SUNDAY  EVENING— February  4th 

7:45  P.  M. 


Organ  Prelude — Praeludium .  Bibl 

V esper  Bells .  Spinney 

Berceuse  .  Dreyschock-Lemare 

Choir  Devotional — The  Lord  Is  in  His  Holy  Temple 

Let  All  the  Earth  Keep  Silence 

Doxology 

Invocation  and  the  Lord’s  Prayer 

Choir — LTnfold  Ye  Portals .  Gounod 

Scripture 

Hymn  300  (Congregation  standing) 

Prayer 


Quartet — 0  Come  Let  Us  Worship .  Mendelssohn 

Offertory  Solo — God  Is  Our  Refuge . MacDermid 


Mr.  Morris 

Sermon — Theme:  Beauty  and  Holiness,  Edward  W.  Clippinger,  D.  D.,  Decatur, 
Illinois 

Prayer 

Dedication  of  the  Echo  Organ 

A  Memorial  to  Warren  H.  Simmons 

Given  in  Loving  Memory 
By  His  Wife, 

Mrs.  Warren  H.  Simmons 
and  Children 
Miss  Ruth  Simmons  and 
W.  Hathaway  Simmons 

Word  of  Appreciation  by  Judge  Vinson  Carter 


Dedicatory  Organ  Solo — Largo .  Handel 

Prayer  of  Dedication 

Choir — Hallelujah .  Handel 

Benediction 
Silent  Prayer 

Organ  Postlude — Processional  March .  Rogers 


INAUGURATION  OF  THE  GREATER  CHURCH  WORK 

SUNDAY— February  11th,  11  A.  M. 

Sermon  by  J.  Ambrose  Dunkel,  D.  D. 

Theme:  The  Church  Foursquare 


1923  — 


—  Betricalton  Heck,  tabernacle  <Pre£lipterian  Cfiurcf) 


Architectural 

THE  new  Tabernacle  Presbyterian  Church  building  is  from  the  design  of  J.  W.  Cresswell  Cor¬ 
busier,  a  designer  of  churches,  of  Cleveland,  Ohio,  and  Robert  Frost  Daggett,  an  Indianapolis 
architect.  Edward  A.  Wehr,  builder,  of  Pittsburgh,  Pa.,  constructed  the  building. 

The  Tabernacle  Presbyterian  Church  is  a  beautiful  example  of  Gothic  architecture  of  the  Fif¬ 
teenth  Century,  at  which  period  it  was  at  its  best  throughout  Europe. 

The  plan  is  cruciform,  suggesting  the  body  of  Christ.  The  chancel  represents  the  Head  of  Christ. 
This  is  the  most  important  point  of  the  church  from  a  symbolic  point  of  view  and  forms  a  crown  of 
glory. 

In  designing  the  church  it  was  the  idea  to  express  as  far  as  possible  a  combination  of  the  old  and 
the  new  of  the  best  architecture  in  times  Christian,  using  symbolism  in  so  far  as  possible  in  a  Presby¬ 
terian  Church. 

All  the  important  lines  of  the  church  are  vertical,  which  gives  an  impression  of  added  height. 
This  impression  was  particularly  desirable  and  necessary  in  this  instance,  due  to  the  fact  that  the  pro¬ 
posed  Chapel  and  Educational  Building  House  which  will  be  placed  at  the  left  will  be  of  good  size  and 
must  not  dwarf  the  church  proper. 

The  deep  recessed  main  entrance  has  a  charming  effect  of  dignity  and  beauty.  Each  of  the  heavy 
wood  doors  is  divided  into  three  divisions,  suggesting  that  the  higher  church  life  is  reached  through  the 
Trinity. 

Above  this  entrance  and  flanked  by  small  turrets  is  a  large  window,  divided  in  the  lower  portion 
into  five  divisions,  representing  Christ  and  the  Four  Evangelists. 

The  windows  in  the  clere-story  are  divided  into  three  parts,  suggesting  again  the  Trinity.  The 

side  aisle  windows  are  in  groups  of  two,  suggesting  the  Old  and  New  Testament. 

The  whole  exterior  conveys  a  very  satisfactory  impression  of  massiveness  and  delicacy,  with  the 
sturdy  buttresses  and  lace-like  tracery. 

Passing  through  the  main  entrance  one  enters  the  rather  severe  Narthex,  above  which  is  a  gallery, 
reached  by  stairs.  Windows  between  Nave  and  Narthex  give  an  air  of  spaciousness  which  would  be 
lost  were  the  windows  omitted.  The  low,  curved  ceiling  of  the  Narthex  emphasizes  the  lightness  of 
the  clustered  columns  of  the  nave,  which,  springing  in  an  unbroken  line  from  the  floor,  carries  the  big 
wood  trusses  supporting  the  roof.  The  Nave  is  divided  into  seven  bays,  representing  the  seven  original 
churches.  The  Transepts  are  occupied  by  galleries,  the  front  of  which,  as  well  as  that  of  the  Narthex 
Gallery,  are  very  beautifully  carved  into  lace-like  tracery,  alternating  in  different  designs. 

Entering  the  Nave  from  the  Narthex  one  has  a  view  of  the  beautiful  composition  of  communion 
table,  pulpit,  minister’s  stall,  and  choir  gallery.  All  this  is  wood,  beautifully  carved  and  painted  in 
color  and  gold  antiqued.  Around  the  front  and  two  ends  of  the  communion  table  are  twelve  carved 

panels  each  containing  a  shield ;  on  each  shield  is  a  symbol  of  one  of  the  disciples,  carved  and  colored. 

Above  the  panels  is  a  carved  grape  vine  in  color  and  gold.  Phis  vine  represents  the  vine  of  life  and  is 
particularly  appropriate  for  a  communion  symbol. 

Back  of  the  communion  table  is  a  seat  for  the  minister  when  he  administers  the  sacrament.  The 
back  of  this  seat  has  a  very  fine  carved  canopy  divided  into  seven  divisions  and  forms  the  pulpit  which 
is  placed  several  steps  above  the  table  platform.  On  either  side  of  the  minister’s  seat  are  benches  for 
the  elders  serving  communion. 

On  either  side  of  the  base  of  the  Triumphal  Arch  are  two  additional  seats  for  the  elders,  represent¬ 
ing  the  new  and  old  dispensation.  These  are  designed  to  match  the  elders’  seats  and  all  have  the 
carved  vine  around  the  top,  with  carved  letters  forming  verses  as  spoken  by  our  Master.  These  letters 
are  gold  with  a  blue  background. 

The  woodwork  is  all  a  weathered  oak,  and  with  the  use  of  gold  and  color  makes  a  very  pleasing 
contrast  with  the  plaster  and  stone  trimmings. 

The  Narthex,  aisles  and  preaching  and  communion  table  platforms  are  laid  on  Moravian  tiles  in 
light  and  dark  browns,  and  harmonize  with  the  weathered  oak.  The  cushions  in  the  pews  are  blue  to 
carry  the  blue  tone  in  the  color  work  in  the  carving  into  the  church  proper. 

Above  the  choir  gallery  is  a  large  window,  divided  into  five  parts,  similar  to  the  one  over  the  main 
entrance,  only  the  tracery  being  different.  At  present  the  windows  are  filled  with  temporary  glass, 
but  it  is  hoped  that  permanent  memorial  windows  will  be  placed  there  before  many  years  have  gone  by. 

The  ground  floor  contains  the  assembly  room,  with  stage,  to  be  used  for  Sunday  School  and  social 
purposes;  also  the  kitchen,  pantry,  boiler  rooms  and  ventilating  system. 


■"£++• 


- - 19  2  3 


<  ® ebication  Sleek,  tabernacle  ;Pre£bj>tertan  Cburcb  - - 


^tsitorical 

ALMOST  threescore  and  twelve  years  have  passed  over  the  roofs  of  the  Tabernacle  Church. 

Ten  beloved  men  have  served  as  its  pastors.  Eighty-seven  elders  have  been  its  counselors. 
Its  motto  has  been  ever:  “Move  toward  the  northern  star;  bring  the  church  to  the  homes  of 
the  people;  FOLLOW  THE  CHRIST.” 

In  1851,  the  services  of  what  was  then  known  as  “The  Third  Presbyterian  Church”  were  held 
almost  in  the  center  of  the  city,  in  Temperance  Hall,  a  building  which  formerly  occupied  the  present 
site  of  the  Indianapolis  News  building.  The  membership  consisted  of  a  mere  handful  of  Christians, 
ten  men  and  eight  women  of  the  First  Church,  who  wished  to  advance  the  cause  of  Presbyterianism 
in  the  growing  city  by  forming  a  new  church.  Soon  their  number  was  increased  to  thirty-five. 

These  men  and  women  may  be  considered  the  charter  members  of  the  church.  Together  they 
shaped  the  ideals  of  Christian  service,  of  the  relations  to  their  fellowmen,  of  hospitality  and  kindli¬ 
ness,  which  today  make  the  Tabernacle  Church  dear  to  thousands. 

Three  of  the  most  prominent  men  of  the  congregation  were  chosen  as  the  first  elders:  James 
Blake,  Caleb  Scudder  and  Horatio  C.  Newcomb.  The  women  early  organized  the  Women’s  Mis¬ 
sionary  Society  and  Ladies’  Aid,  which  are  such  helpful  influences  in  the  present  church. 

One  of  their  number,  Mrs.  Sarah  T.  Bolton,  voiced  the  universal  patriotism  in  the  well-known 
poem,  “Indiana”: 

“The  winds  of  heaven  never  fanned, 

The  circling  sunshine  never  spanned, 

The  borders  of  a  better  land, 

Than  our  own  Indiana.” 

In  1851,  the  church  began  its  northward  pilgrimage  when  it  erected  its  first  home  at  the  corner 
of  Illinois  and  Ohio  streets.  At  the  time  of  its  completion,  in  1859,  this  building  was  considered  the 
last  and  best  expression  of  church  architecture  in  the  city. 

Many  interesting  events  made  the  building  notable.  In  1860,  it  was  chosen  by  the  General  As¬ 
sembly  of  the  “old  school”  Presbyterians  as  their  meeting  place.  Later,  at  a  Y.  M.  C.  A.  convention, 
it  is  said  that  the  great  evangelists,  Dwight  L.  Moody  and  Ira  D.  Sankey,  formed  the  friendship  which 
resulted  in  the  memorable  partnership. 

The  following  ministers  served  the  church:  Rev.  David  Stevenson,  Rev.  George  C.  Heckman, 
Rev.  Robert  Sloss,  Rev.  G.  W.  F.  Birch,  Rev.  H.  M.  Morey,  and  the  Rev.  Francis  L.  Patton,  later  presi¬ 
dent  of  Princeton  Seminary. 

Times  changed  and  again  the  church  felt  that  the  need  of  expansion  was  imperative  and  again 
it  moved  northward — to  the  homes  of  its  people.  A  reorganization  was  effected  along  popular  and 
liberal  lines  and  ninety-eight  members  were  added  from  other  churches.  The  name  was  changed  to 
“The  Tabernacle  Church”  and  Dr.  J.  Albert  Rondthaler  was  chosen  to  be  the  first  pastor.  Under 
his  leadership,  an  attractive,  home-like  building  was  erected  at  the  corner  of  Meridian  and  Eleventh 
(then  called  Second)  streets,  and  in  1889  a  chapel  was  added  which  was  arranged  to  accommodate 
the  Sunday  School  and  other  organizations. 

Dr.  Rondthaler  was  succeeded  by  four  beloved  pastors:  J.  Cumming  Smith,  Neil  McPherson, 
E.  W.  Clippinger,  and  the  present  noble  leader — J.  Ambrose  Dunkel.  Forty  years  of  consecrated 
Christian  service,  of  influence  for  good  in  the  community,  of  blessed  companionship  with  their  people, 
have  been  the  gift  of  these  men  to  Indianapolis. 

During  this  period  the  church  was  active  in  all  forms  of  Christian  work.  The  Sunday  School 
was  a  great  power  for  good  in  the  locality,  and  many  forms  of  church  and  philanthropic  work  were 
generously  and  efficiently  supported  by  both  men  and  women. 

Out  of  this  abundant  Christian  life  grew  five  city  missions,  three  of  which  have  become  strong 
churches : 

The  Westminster  Church,  formerly  the  East  Washington  Street  Church. 

The  West  Washington  Street  Presbyterian  Church. 

The  Mt.  Jackson  Methodist  Church. 

The  Alvord  Street  Mission. 

The  North  Senate  Avenue  Mission. 


1923 


-  Hktucation  (Hkdc  tabernacle  jpresbpterian  Cburcb 


<>■«»<>■ 


•<>— n++- 


The  Church  may  well  be  proud  of  those  fruitful  years  of  its  history.  The  workers  were  too 
numerous  to  mention  here  but  their  names  are  not  forgotten.  They  are  inscribed  in  the  book  of  re¬ 
membrance. 

Two  groups  of  men  are  too  significant  to  pass  over — the  first  trustees  and  the  first  board  of  elders. 
The  board  of  trustees  included  such  well-known  names  as  Gov.  Conrad  Baker,  Franklin  Landers, 
L.  W.  Fletcher,  Augustus  Kiefer,  Wm.  FI.  Hubbard,  H.  H.  Lee,  Horace  L.  Watson,  and  Charles  E. 
Dark.  The  elders  were  Charles  N.  Todd,  Vinson  Carter,  William  O.  Anderson,  M.  V.  McGilliard, 
Silas  T.  Bowen,  John  F.  Wallick,  Harmon  H.  Fulton,  and  George  W.  Crane. 

Only  two  of  the  first  board  of  elders  are  living  today:  Mr.  McGilliard,  at  present  a  member 
of  the  First  Presbyterian  Church,  and  Judge  Carter,  a  member  of  the  Tabernacle  board  of  elders 
after  forty  years  of  continuous  service. 

But  a  third  time  the  leaders  of  the  church  realized  that  a  new  home  was  needed,  and  again  it 
followed  the  northern  star.  Business  houses  crowded  it  on  all  sides  at  Eleventh  street  and  its  people 
had  gradually  deserted  the  old  neighborhood. 

In  1919,  a  spacious  well-wooded  lot  was  purchased  at  the  corner  of  Thirty-fourth  street  and 
Central  avenue;  a  temporary  building  was  erected;  and  plans  for  a  community  church,  which,  it  was 
hoped,  could  not  be  outgrown,  were  placed  before  the  people.  The  movement  met  with  such  generous 
and  general  support,  both  in  gifts  and  increased  membership,  that  the  work  of  the  builders  was  begun 
almost  immediately. 

This  week  we  dedicate  the  first  section  of  that  Greater  Tabernacle.  It  is  already  hallowed  by 
the  prayers  of  which  it  is  the  fulfillment  and  the  sacrifices  which  have  made  it  possible.  More  beau¬ 
tiful  and  more  adequately  expressing  the  ideals  which  we  profess  than  any  of  our  former  buildings,  it 
is  both  a  beautiful  monument  to  our  cherished  past  and  a  pledge  of  a  still  more  glorious  future.  Truly 
“strength  and  beauty  are  in  His  Sanctuary.” 


Closing  Prayer  of  Solomon: 

Now,  my  God,  let,  I  beseech  Thee,  Thine  eyes  be  open  and  let  Thine  ears  be  attentive  unto  the 
prayer  that  is  made  in  this  place.  Now,  therefore,  arise,  O  Lord  God,  unto  Thine  resting  place,  Thou 
and  the  ark  of  Thy  strength;  let  thy  priests,  O  Lord  God,  be  clothed  with  salvation  and  let  Thy  saints 
rejoice  in  goodness. 

— II  Chronicles  40-41. 


19  2  3  -• — 


BX9211.I5  T33  1923 
a  Tabernacle  Presbyterian 
Church  (Indianapolis,  IN.) 
Tabernacle  Presbyterian 
Church  :  program  dedication 
week . 


